ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania said during Friday’s edition of First Take that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James could potentially retire after the 2025-26 NBA season.
ESPN’s Shams Charania believes Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will retire after his 23rd NBA season
Earlier this week, James recorded the 40th 30-point triple-double of his career and third straight triple-double a month before his 40th birthday, in Wednesday night’s 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
James became the oldest player in NBA history to notch three straight triple-doubles. The triple-double streak is tied for the longest of his 22-year career, matching the three he had from Nov. 1 to 5, 2019; Dec. 14 through 17, 2017; and March 7 to 12, 2009.
Following his incredible triple-double outing, James reiterated that he doesn’t plan on playing “that much longer,” estimating that he has maybe one to two more years left in him.
“I said the other night that I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not,” James said. “I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor.”
LeBron’s retirement plans could hinge on the NBA future of Bryce James, his youngest son
Shams Charania mentioned the previous statements James made earlier this week, and he also added that the NBA future of Bryce James, LeBron’s youngest son, could determine when the 20-time All-Star finally calls it quits.
“I found it interesting this week he said he’s not going to play until the wheels fall off, right? And my sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA,” Charania said.
“Now, could he play another season after that 2026-27? Potentially, yes. Bryce James his youngest son, class of 2025, maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two. But I do think next season, All-Star Game in L.A., there might be some good momentum there for that.”
If James does retire in 2026, this means he’ll play until he’s 41. He’s already the sixth player in NBA history to play in his 21st season or beyond — joining Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, and Vince Carter, who James is tied with for the all-time record of 22 seasons.
